To Catch a Smile

On August 13, 2011August 13, 2011 By AngeliaIn Beautiful Life, Life is what you make it.13 Comments

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. ~Phyllis Diller

Smiling. One of my favorite things to do. It falls right behind laughing (or before) (or in-between). It’s just there and yes, it does set everything straight.

Life has been so harried these last few months. Between the wreck, the off-schedules, and endless classes. And let’s not forget my job. Busier and more demanding than ever. You’d think after 20+ years and the advance of so much technology in travel that it would be easier. Not so. Business travelers are more particular than ever. Reporting and tracking are more specific than ever, and honestly, most days I just feel like the travel police.

“You can’t book that hotel because the price is out of policy. Oh, that is not one of your company’s preferred airlines. Business class? I’m sorry that is not allowed unless approved by the CFO….”

Can you see what I mean? Some days it’s a real challenge to find a smile within. Some days the smiles are few and far between.

And that’s why I love having pictures that set it all straight.

The days when I really, truly need a big smile. All I have to do is dig through my photography class homework or outings and events. And there they are.

Smiles in all their glory.

My handsome husband helping me with my Light & Lighting II homework. We were working on portrait posing. I took this in front of the garage.

My youngest step-daughter who loves to model. We were working on the same homework with the same back-drop. I get so tickled at her smile. She is such a poser.

My co-worker, friend, and mom-to-be. We had a baby shower at my house for her. It’s her first and the baby will be named Ava. I am particularly fond of A names. Heh.

One of my co-worker’s daughters. She got to take all the baby shower balloons home with her. Nothing like a kid with a bunch of balloons.

Isn’t that any kid’s dream?

Things I have to smile about today

*Getting Sydney transferred and registered for her senior year.

*Jason getting cleared from physical therapy after four months of work on his back from the accident.

*Having two photography classes left until I qualify for my certification.

*Getting a deep tissue massage in about an hour.

So tell me…..

Where is your smile?

Is it hiding?

Is it buried?

Is it just peeking through?

Smile and show us your happy face.

Set it all straight with a curve.

Happy weekend everyone!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Worn

On June 22, 2011 By AngeliaIn Angelia's Photography, In the lives of children, Unfading Beauty23 Comments

This might surprise you, but I’m not a big fan of vintage photographs.

Despite every intention of my mother, I did not share her love of antiques either. I don’t know why, but I love modern. I love new. I love innovation.

Maybe, I just love the future and the possibilities; new ideas, inventions, and progress.

Because of those reasons, this is why I chose these photos for the weekly challenge. It was a challenge for me to re-create an old setting to capture a few photos that look (and feel) worn even though they were taken in 2011.

These photos make me appreciate the fineness of age, and the timelessness of our past.

These were shot on an 1800’s farm in Texas.

iHeartFaces: From a Distance

On June 7, 2011 By AngeliaIn Angelia's Photography, Wee Wee Wee all the way home!13 Comments

This is my entry this week. Another image from the Prairie girls vintage session. I just love their happy faces in this one. It makes me forget about all the things I am behind on – editing photographs and writing blog posts. So for now, I will not think of those things (and my busy, busy job and commute). I will remember this day and bask in the delight of children running.

Happy Tuesday!

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Newborn Photography Love

On March 6, 2011March 6, 2011 By AngeliaIn Angel Lia's Photography, Angels among Us, Beautiful Life25 Comments

I promised my cousin Tiffany I would come take photographs of her baby after she was born. She lives about three hours away. It wasn’t a question of would I, actually I ~~begged~~ offered to do it. It was a chance to see family, to hold a tiny baby, and to practice another piece of portrait photography.

Photography is like anything else with a wide range of possibilities. It has many styles to choose from. You might be better at one over another. You could be still photographer – great at commercial products. Landscapes could be your thing – nailing that perfect waterfall, field, or mountain. Wildlife might make you roar (heh) – as you stalk the wild and hike the great beyond for your shot. It could be you love weddings – the thrill and romance. Studio portraits could be your art – capturing family, and children, generation after generation. What about maternity photos? A growing life, a glowing mom – the excitement, the joy. Then, newborn photography – the miracle. The wonder. A tiny form never to be that small again.

Every one of these might seem the same….but they are all so very, very different. It’s not just holding a camera. It’s choosing what you see, and choosing what you do with what you see. Finding where your passion lies. Art? People? Places? Things?

I have some idea…..custom photography is basically what I do. It is where a photographer comes to your home or place of choice. It is unique to you and your time. You capture moments in motion. A glimpse of the raw. I don’t think I realized the benefit and importance of custom photography until Aria.

Don’t get me wrong I am not boxing myself in. I am eager to experience all aspects of photography. To try all aspects of photography. Right now, it’s experience that matters the most. Maybe, I am just finding my wings, so I know which direction to fly.

Photographing a newborn? Hard work. They don’t just go into the perfect pose. You have to mold, and hold. They wake up and cry. Then you have to sooth and comfort (the baby and the parents – ha).

I am fascinated by the process. It reminds me of holding newborns in the NICU at Cook Childrens when I was a volunteer. It truly is a guilty pleasure. It truly is a passion.

Photographs within 10 days of birth………..simply amazing.

Introducing the precious Aria Rose four days old……

Congratulations Codye and Tiffany. When I say she is beautiful, I mean it. What joy and promise a new life brings. May you experience every soaring moment with great pleasure and wonder.